Nachikatsuura, Japan

Parishioners carry 12 flambeaus to purify the path for 12 local gods due to traverse the route to the holy Nachi waterfall during the annual Nachi Fire Festival in central Japan.

Parishioners carry 12 flambeaus to purify the path for 12 local gods due to traverse the route to the holy Nachi waterfall during the annual Nachi Fire Festival in central Japan. (Akiko Matsushita / Kyodo News)

Parishioners carry 12 flambeaus to purify the path for 12 local gods due to traverse the route to the holy Nachi waterfall during the annual Nachi Fire Festival in central Japan.